Smithsonian zoo reopens after government shutdown

Employees at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C., welcome back visitors with signs and a panda costume. The zoo reopened to the public after the federal government shutdown ended.

Employees at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C., welcome back visitors with signs and a panda costume. The zoo reopened to the public after the federal government shutdown ended. (Michael Reynolds / EPA)

Employees at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C., welcome back visitors with signs and a panda costume. The zoo reopened to the public after the federal government shutdown ended.